Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro has expressed deep shock at the precious loss of lives and property by the recent cyclone in Bangladesh. At least 2,000 people are now reported dead after a powerful cyclone ripped through southern and central Bangladesh over the past few days.
The government expects the figure to rise further, as parts of the affected area are still inaccessible. "The government and the people of Pakistan share the grief of the people of Bangladesh," the Prime Minister said in a condolence message to Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor of Non-Party Caretaker Government of Bangladesh. "I am confident that under Your Excellency's leadership the brave people of Bangladesh will overcome the effects of this calamity," Soomro said.
Reports said that rescuers are trying to reach hundreds of thousands of survivors but debris and floods are hampering their efforts. Cyclone Sidr destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of homes, brought down power lines and wiped out vital crops.